Recent changes to FIE rules

At the FIE's recent Annual Congress in Dubai, a number of changes were made to the FIE Rules. Fencers and referees should be aware of the following significant changes:

* the FIE Technical Rules and Organisation Rules have been significantly restructured, with the result that most rule numbers have changed. The new versions of the Rules are available on the FIE website - click here

* the rule against reversing the shoulders in foil has been removed. This changes applies from 1 January 2018

* new mask fastening requirements have been introduced. During the 2018/19 season, the new requirements will only apply to the Cadet & Junior World Championships and the Senior World Championships. The new requirements apply to all FIE events from the start of the 2018/19 season (September 2018). Further details are available on the FIE website - click here

* new requirements for chest protectors have been introduced (foil only). These requirements apply to international events from 1 April 2018 onwards. Further details are available on the FIE website - click here

* the time allowed for medical treatment during a bout has been reduced from 10 minutes to 5 minutes. This change applies from the start of the 2018/19 FIE season (September 2018)

* the provision of referees for the Veteran World Championships will be included in the entry fee - this means Australia will no longer need to provide our own referees (or pay a significant fine). This change applies from the 2018 Veteran World Championships

* FIE points will be awarded for places 97th to 128th (0.5 points) and places 129th to 256th (0.25 points). This changes applies from the start of teh 2018/19 FIE seasons (September 2018).